Open Access

ARTICLE

Application of Various Optimisation Methods in the Multi-Optimisation for Tribological Properties of Al–B₄C Composites

Sandra Gajević¹, Slavica Miladinović¹, Jelena Jovanović¹, Onur Güler², Serdar Özkaya², Blaža Stojanović^1,*

1 Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Sestre Janjić 6, Kragujevac, 34000, Serbia
2 Faculty of Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, 61080, Türkiye

* Corresponding Author: Blaža Stojanović. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Computing Technology in the Design and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials)

Computers, Materials & Continua 2025, 84(3), 4341-4361. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2025.065645

Received 18 March 2025; Accepted 24 June 2025; Issue published 30 July 2025

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the tribological performance of AA2024–B₄C composites, with a specific focus on the influence of reinforcement and processing parameters. In this study three input parameters were varied: B₄C weight percentage, milling time, and normal load, to evaluate their effects on two output parameters: wear loss and the coefficient of friction. AA2024 alloy was used as the matrix alloy, while B₄C particles were used as reinforcement. Due to the high hardness and wear resistance of B₄C, the optimized composite shows strong potential for use in aerospace structural elements and automotive brake components. The optimisation of tribological behaviour was conducted using a Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis (Taguchi-GRA) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). A total of 27 combinations of input parameters were analysed, varying the B₄C content (0, 10, and 15 wt.%), milling time (0, 15, and 25 h), and normal load (1, 5, and 10 N). Wear loss and the coefficient of friction were numerically evaluated and selected as criteria for optimisation. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were also applied for two outputs simultaneously. TOPSIS identified Alternative 1 as the optimal solution, confirming the results obtained using the Taguchi Grey method. The optimal condition obtained (10 wt.% B₄C, 25 h milling time, 10 N load) resulted in a minimum wear loss of 1.7 mg and a coefficient of friction of 0.176, confirming significant enhancement in tribological behaviour. Based on the results, both the B₄C content and the applied processing conditions have a significant impact on wear loss and frictional properties. This approach demonstrates high reliability and confidence, enabling the design of future composite materials with optimal properties for specific applications.

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